Acmispon grandiflorus

Also Known As

Lotus grandiflorus
Chaparral Bird's-foot Trefoil
Chapparel Lotus
Large Leaved Lotus

Plant type

perennial, annual / biennial

size

H: 6"-8"
W: 9"-24"

planting zones

8a-11

Acmispon grandiflorus plant details

Acmispon grandiflorus is a broadleaf semi-evergreen annual / biennial or perennial with blue and green foliage. In spring and winter cream, orange, pink, red, white and yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees, beneficial insects and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, gritty, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Acmispon grandiflorus

Plant type: annual / biennial or perennial
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 9 IN - 24 IN - wide, 6 IN - 8 IN - tall
Flowers: cream, orange, pink, red, white and yellow blooms in spring and winter
Uses: short-lived

GROWING CONDITIONS for Acmispon grandiflorus

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

From February to May it blooms with clusters of creamy pea flowers that are attractive to bees & butterflies. The flowers eventually turn into very attractive red pods that last a long time on the plants. Its habit is low & spreading (8” high to 24” wide) making a wonderful short-term groundcover for the open space between newly planted shrubs. Since it tends to bloom itself to death in garden situations, it is best used as an annual or biennial. Lotus grandiflorus is very drought tolerant, though if kept totally dry, the leaves will drop off during the Summer & come back again in the Fall. It is also tolerant of water (it is sometimes found in moist river bottoms) & will stay green with supplemental water. From woodlands & chapparel areas in California & Baja.